The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1887-08-18
Random Thoughts.
J. 81. M.

- A&OSNN~SAS ~ANS~AS~S
seem to be burdened with anxiety as
to the position Of this paper on the
Temperance question, and couple full
some praise Of it's former position -
with suggestions that the paper
should leave the Republican party.
To these good friends I will say that
the Standard occupies precisely the
same position regarding the Temper
ance question that it has always occu-
pied. 1t has not changed a particle,
and would not recall single word or
sentence Of anything it has said upon
the Temperance question. 1t still
maintains that the liquor crime is a
curse upon the American people, and
that every man who encourages it
knows he is doing very mean thing.
That the American people will be
compelled to wipe it out, or it will
wipe them out, as a successful Nation.
In this connection, and as showing
the popularity Of the Standards posi-
ton, we will point to the tendency Of
the whisky element Of politics toward
the Democratic party. The people of
Ohio last winter compelled the Legis-
lature to give them a Temperance
law. 1t passed law imposing tax
and containing a prohibition feature.
This law is good as far as it goes.
One thing noticeable in towns seeking
to adopt the prohibition feature of the
law, was that the whisky element
combined against Temperance candi-
dates at the Spring elections, and used
the Democratic party as mallet to
drive the bungs. This is the line of
progress. Whenever the liquor ele-
ments unite-as they will do-in the
Democratic party, down goes the liq-
uor traffic, and the Democratic party,
too. The Republican party has prom
ised to keep abreast of public senti-
ment on this question. It is part Of
the duty of the Standard, and all de-
cent, respectable Republican journals,
to preach an enlightened, an advanced,
a moral public sentiment. That this
work has been, and is being, success
fully done, is evidenced by the fact
that no man can get an Office in Jack
son County who avows himself the
representative Of the doggery interest.
And I may add further, and some
what emphatically, that we believe
that no man a0iU get an Office who
shall display his lack Of intelligence
by attempting to fight down a Tenn
perance sentiment that was taught
before he was born, and has grown
ever since. There have been practical
demonstrations Of this fact, sufficient
to convince any man.
do not blame the Democrats for
desiring the Standard to kick at the
Republican party. This paper-and
l say it without fear Of contradiction
is the only Republican paper in
Southern Ohio that has not made a
fool of itself during the last year, on
the subject Of politics. 1t has never
joined in the crusade to drive such Re-
publicans as Conkling, Logan, Keifer,
and that class of men out Of the party.
It has kept its head, and laughed to
see the political idiots come crawling
back, acknowledging their idiocy, and
asking to be considered the represent
atives Of Republican sentiment in the
future. The Standard saw the Re-
publican party placed in power in
Jackson County, and has done more
to keep it there than all other infu-
ences combined. It is no wonder the
Democratic friends do not admire the
course of this paper in supporting the
Republican ticket. You will have to
bear with it, friends. The Republi-
canism of the Standard is not the
kind which loafs about the doggeries
and counts its chances for obtaining
Office. 1t works on principle. 1t will
continue to advocate the ultimate de-
struction of the Internal whisky and
beer traffic, and the success of the Re-
publican party in that direction. ANY
man of ordinary intelligence can read |
the signs of the times, pointing that
way. The Republican party must be
lifted above the idea that it is tool, |
to be used by lot Of small-caliber
politicians for getting into office. And
that idea is moving out, now. Brains,
and not impudence, must shape the
course Of the Republican party.
Again | say this paper has never
changed it's views on the Temperance
question, and stands almost alone in
this State, as to its loyalty to the true
Republican leaders, and the true prin-
ciples of the party. The Democratic
friends must bear with the old paper
for few generations yet.